This experimental study found that blocking blue and other visible wavelengths of light could have a significantly protective effect on the retina.

The authors investigated the effects of blocking fluorescent light in mice retina using three different blockades: one blocked ultraviolet and violet wavelengths (violet blockade); one blocked ultraviolet, violet, blue and some other visible wavelengths (blue-plus blockade); and one allowed most visible light to pass through (control).

Mice in the blue-plus blockade group retained a significantly better electroretinogram response following light exposure than the control or violet blockade groups. The blue-plus group also exhibited greater outer nuclear layer thickness, greater outer-segment length, and fewer apoptotic cells after light exposure than the other groups.

They write that the substantial protective effect on retinal function of the blue-plus blockade suggests that the total light energy reaching the eye may be an important contributing factor to retinal phototoxicity. People who spend hours using a personal computer or a tablet with LED monitor may consider using light blocking material to preserve their vision. Further studies investigating the effects of various types of light-blocking materials on retinal protection are required.